Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Feb 28 (IANS) Banking services across Punjab and Haryana were affected Tuesday as employees of various nationalised banks joined the nationwide 24-hour strike call given by 11 trade unions against the policies of the central government.

Bank branches remained closed or wore a deserted look at most places across Punjab because of the strike.

“The policies of the central government are not good for the health of the banking and PSU sector. We have been forced to go on strike,” said a bank employee on strike in Malerkotla, 130 km from here.

In Haryana, police had to escort state transport buses at some places Tuesday as Haryana Roadways employees joined the strike.

In Yamunanagar town, 80 km from here, striking Roadways staff deflated the tyres of some buses. However, the authorities, with the help of the police, were able to take out some buses from their depots and the police escorted these on their journey.

Across Haryana, passengers could be seen stranded at some bus stands as the strike affected normal life.

“I was to take the bus to Karnal but not too many buses are plying today. Now, I am stranded,” Bishan Dass said in Yamunanagar.

People wanting to take public transport to New Delhi and other places had a tough time.

“I was to reach Chandigarh today but I am stranded at the Delhi ISBT (inter-state bus terminus) as there are no buses plying,” technician Gulzar said.

Authorities in the state claimed that normal life was unaffected but admitted that workers of some departments like transport, power and others had joined the strike.